Scaling & Root Planing Atlanta

Approximately half of all Americans age 30 and over have some form of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Often times, early stages of gum disease do not show any visible symptoms. Later stages of the disease, however, can lead to tooth loss and even serious health conditions.

When diagnosed and treated early, gum disease is reversible. At Atlanta Smiles & Wellness, our team of elite dentists are trained and experienced in the safest and most effective treatment options for gum disease, including scaling and root planing. This minimally invasive deep cleaning treatment is used to treat gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) in order to restore oral health and prevent the disease from progressing and causing serious oral and overall health problems.

The Effects of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a result of plaque buildup in the mouth, which causes the gum tissue to become inflamed. People with early stages of gum disease can experience the following symptoms:

Red, swollen gums

Sensitive gums

Bleeding gums, especially during brushing and flossing

Chronic bad breath

Advanced stages of gum disease can result in more severe symptoms including receding gums, which in turn cause the teeth to loosen and fall out. Gum disease has been linked to numerous health conditions including:

Heart disease

Alzheimer’s disease

Diabetes

Stroke

Premature birth in pregnant women

Respiratory problems

Scaling and Root Planing Deep Cleaning

The goal of a scaling and root planing treatment is to remove tartar and plaque from below the gum line and along the tooth root. During treatment, the rough spots along the tooth roots are also smoothed out, giving bacteria less places to hide. Treatment can occur in one or more sessions, depending on the patient’s specific needs.

Following scaling and root planing, your dentist may provide you with medication in the form of pills, mouth rinses and other topical agents that contain antibiotics and antimicrobials. This medication is used to maintain the effects of your scaling and root planing treatment. Follow-up appointments are key to monitor the health of your gums. If scaling and root planing is not enough to repair the damage caused by gum disease, we may recommend other periodontal treatment including laser gum therapy.

At Atlanta Smiles, our dentists are trained and skilled in using the Gemini 810 + 980 Diode Laser, an advanced dual-wavelength soft-tissue diode laser used to remove and shape hard and soft gum tissue. During laser gum therapy, the laser is used to vaporize diseased tissue in each gum pocket. The laser is also used to treat tooth roots to promote healthy tissue and bone regeneration. With recurring treatment, laser gum therapy can effectively minimize the effects of gum disease and enhance gum health.

Depending on the patient’s individual needs, laser gum therapy may be done in conjunction with scaling and root planing to achieve the best results.

Trust Atlanta Smiles & Wellness

The health of your teeth and gums are important to us. Drs. Dina Giesler and Marianna Kovitch are seasoned dentists who have helped hundreds of patients restore oral health after gum disease. Whether you are experiencing no symptoms, one or several, it is important to have your oral health checked through regular dental visits. Our team can design a treatment plan that is custom made to fit your needs — one that preserves the function of your teeth and gums, as well as the beauty of your smile.